Gregorian – The Masterpieces (Best of CD & Live DVD) (2005)

Artist: Gregorian
Title: The Masterpieces
Released: 2005
Label: Edel Records
Format: CD (Best Of compilation) + Live DVD
Genre: Gregorian chant, Classical crossover, New Age
Producer: Frank Peterson

Overview

Released in 2005, The Masterpieces is Gregorian’s first major “Best Of” compilation, summarizing the most successful and popular tracks from the Masters of Chant series and The Dark Side.

The release includes a CD featuring studio highlights and a bonus Live DVD, showcasing Gregorian’s visually dramatic concert performances. The package was designed both for longtime fans and newcomers wanting a curated introduction to the project.

By this point, Gregorian had become one of Europe’s most successful classical crossover acts, and this compilation celebrated their commercial and touring achievements.

Album Credits

Core Team

Frank Peterson – producer, arranger, concept creator
Jan-Eric Kohrs – co-producer, engineering
Gregorian Choir – male vocal ensemble

Production

Studio tracks produced in Germany
Live recordings captured during European tours
Released via Edel Records

CD Tracklist (Best Of Selection)

Moment of Peace
Brothers in Arms (Dire Straits cover)
Tears in Heaven (Eric Clapton cover)
Nothing Else Matters (Metallica cover)
Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd cover)
Join Me (HIM cover)
The Sound of Silence (Simon & Garfunkel cover)
Engel (Rammstein cover)
My Immortal (Evanescence cover)
In the Air Tonight (Phil Collins cover)
Boulevard of Broken Dreams (Green Day cover)
Running Up That Hill (Kate Bush cover)

(Tracklist may vary slightly by region.)

Live DVD Content

The DVD features:

Full-length live performances from the Masters of Chant tour
Cathedral-inspired stage design
Monk-style costumes
Dramatic lighting and orchestral backing tracks
Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews (in some editions)

Notable live performances include:

Nothing Else Matters
Moment of Peace
Engel
Brothers in Arms

Musical Style & Presentation

Deep male choral harmonies
Cinematic orchestration
Sacred, cathedral-like atmosphere
Rock and pop classics transformed into solemn chant-style renditions

The live presentation emphasizes:

Monastic aesthetics
Minimal movement
Focus on atmosphere and lighting
Dramatic stage visuals

Fun Facts & Trivia

This was Gregorian’s first major retrospective release.
It helped introduce the project to new audiences outside Germany.
The DVD highlighted how important touring had become to the Gregorian brand.
“Moment of Peace” had become the group’s signature original composition by this time.

Did You Know?

Gregorian concerts often feature female vocal soloists alongside the male choir for contrast.
The project had already sold millions of albums worldwide by 2005.
The success of The Masterpieces further cemented the Masters of Chant brand as a long-running series.

Commercial Performance

Strong sales in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
Continued Gold certifications in key European markets
Boosted DVD sales due to the theatrical concert experience

Critical Reception

Praised for:

Well-curated song selection
High-quality live production
Strong introduction for new listeners

Criticism:

Mostly repackaged material
Little new content for longtime fans

Legacy

The Masterpieces served as a milestone in Gregorian’s career, summarizing the first half-decade of their chant-meets-rock success. It demonstrated the project’s transition from studio experiment to established international touring act.